Let me tell you a story about love, commitment, and partnership. Over three decades ago, Delta Burke met Gerald McRaney, and it was love at first sight—or at least that's how it seemed. Delta, the vivacious actress known for her role in Designing Women, knew right away that Gerald was the one. And Gerald? Well, he didn’t waste any time. By their second date, he had already popped the question. "So we were pretty committed!" Delta once gushed, smiling at the memory.
How Delta Burke and Gerald McRaney Found Each Other
It all started in 1987, a year that would change both their lives forever. Delta, who was just entering the second season of Designing Women, made a guest appearance on an episode of Gerald’s hit detective series, Simon & Simon. That fateful meeting sparked something special between them. Before long, they were a couple, and they even made their red carpet debut at the Emmys that same year, proving to the world just how serious they were about each other.
Gerald wasn’t taking any chances when it came to Delta. According to Country Living, he knew from the start that she was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. "I wasn’t going to let her get away," Gerald once revealed. "I already had competition. There were people asking her out on dates, and I was going to move in right away." And move in he did, both figuratively and literally.
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Less than two years after their whirlwind romance began, Delta and Gerald tied the knot in 1989. This was Delta’s first marriage, while Gerald had been married twice before—to Pat Moran and Beverly Root. Despite the naysayers in Gerald’s circle, who warned him against marrying Delta, he knew his heart was in the right place. "Why not?" he once quipped. "They’re the only people who understand this insanity. And she does. If I’m on location, and I don’t call her until 2 o’clock in the morning, no big deal. She knows."
Fast forward to today, and their love story is still as strong as ever. Gerald couldn’t be prouder of his decision to marry Delta. In a recent interview with Closer in May 2024, he opened up about what makes their marriage work. "I think the secret to a successful marriage in my case is to marry Delta Burke," he said with a grin. "I have done [marriage] twice before, so obviously I’m no good at it, but I think the key is who I have married."
These days, Delta and Gerald live a peaceful life in their primary home in Florida, where they enjoy simple pleasures like fishing, shelling, and spending time at the beach. "We’ll go fishing, shelling, go to the beach and things like that," Gerald said, highlighting the joys of their laid-back lifestyle.
Delta Burke's Family Life
Although Delta and Gerald didn’t have children together, Delta became a beloved stepmom to Gerald’s kids: Kate McRaney, Jessica McRaney, and Angus McRaney, all from his previous marriages. Delta embraced her role as a stepmom with open arms, creating a loving and supportive family dynamic.
Of course, no marriage is without its challenges, and Delta and Gerald have faced their fair share. In 2008, Delta opened up to Diabetic Living about her personal struggles with diabetes, weight fluctuations, and depression. Through it all, Gerald was her rock. "It didn’t matter to him how fat I got," Delta admitted, recalling a time when she was at her heaviest in 1993. "He reminds me what I should be doing or shouldn’t be eating. He likes to give me my [insulin] shots and says it makes him feel like he’s taking care of me."
And when Gerald underwent surgery for lung cancer in 2004, Delta was by his side every step of the way, offering her unwavering support. Their bond only grew stronger through these trials, proving that they truly are a team.
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Delta and Gerald knew from the beginning that they were meant to be together. "I think as opposed to a lot of married people, we do better when we’re together 24/7," Gerald told Closer. "I love when I get the chance to work with her. As I have said about her in the past, I would walk a mile in tight shoes to work with that lady. She’s so good."
